Bel Air waives town-service fees for Winter Wonderland, caps contribution at $10,000

Chair Edding moved and the board approved a motion to waive town service fees for the Winter Wonderland event, capping the town's in-kind contribution at $10,000. The motion passed unanimously at the Oct. 14 work session.

Town Administrator Eddie Klein told commissioners the event organizer, Donna Dickey, requested a larger contribution to cover increased costs for police and Department of Public Works services. Klein said staff initially discussed a $9,000 cap but presented a $10,000 figure to the board after negotiations with the organizer and noting higher security and staffing costs. "She asked me to put before you a request for $10,000," Klein said. Chair Edding then moved the waiver; Commissioner Taylor seconded. The roll call vote recorded ayes from Commissioners Rutledge, Chismar, Taylor, Chance and Chair Edding.

Finance staff provided historical context: the town paid about $6,700 toward the event in 2023 and $8,200 in 2024. Klein told commissioners that the current request reflects increased costs in the MOU for police and DPW, and that the town has increased security posture at public events to mitigate risks. The board discussed the value of the event for downtown merchants and noted event volunteer needs for setup and takedown.

The vote authorizes staff to process the waived fees up to the $10,000 cap. Staff said the event organizer will present a formal budget request during the town's budget season for future planning.